Which of the following is a common symptom of Schuermann’s disease?

Which of the following is a common symptom of Schuermann’s disease?

• A. Excessive lordosis
• B. Vertebrae wedging
• C. Lateral curvature of the spine
• D. Osteoporosis

Answer: (B)

The correct response highlights the characteristic feature of Scheuermann’s disease, which is the wedging of the vertebrae. This condition typically presents during adolescence and is characterized by structural deformity in the thoracic spine where the vertebrae become wedged, leading to a pronounced kyphotic curvature. The wedging often results in an increased kyphosis, which is a hallmark of the condition. In contrast, excessive lordosis reflects an imbalance in the spinal curvature that is not typical of Scheuermann's disease. Lateral curvature of the spine refers to scoliosis, which is a separate condition that involves a sideways curvature and is not a direct symptom of Scheuermann's disease. Osteoporosis refers to a decrease in bone density and strength, which can affect various ages and is not specific to Scheuermann's disease, thus making the wedging of the vertebrae the defining and common symptom associated with this condition.

The correct response highlights the characteristic feature of Scheuermann’s disease, which is the wedging of the vertebrae. This condition typically presents during adolescence and is characterized by structural deformity in the thoracic spine where the vertebrae become wedged, leading to a pronounced kyphotic curvature. The wedging often results in an increased kyphosis, which is a hallmark of the condition.

In contrast, excessive lordosis reflects an imbalance in the spinal curvature that is not typical of Scheuermann's disease. Lateral curvature of the spine refers to scoliosis, which is a separate condition that involves a sideways curvature and is not a direct symptom of Scheuermann's disease. Osteoporosis refers to a decrease in bone density and strength, which can affect various ages and is not specific to Scheuermann's disease, thus making the wedging of the vertebrae the defining and common symptom associated with this condition.